National Union of Students Appoint New President

The National Union of Students have elected a new head after Malia Bouattia was overthrown.

Describing herself as a "mother from a working-class family", Shakira Martin received 56% of the votes at the NUS conference in Brighton.

Previously working as vice-president, she will take over the role of Malia Bouattia who was elected in 2016. Ms Bouattia came under pressure after an article she co-wrote in 2011 described Birmingham university as a "Zionist outpost".

Ms Martin is a former student at Lewisham and Southwark College and has promised a union which is "united and fighting for free education for everyone".

Commenting on her appointment, she said: "I am honoured and humbled to have been elected as NUS national president.

"I take this as a vote of trust that our members believe I can lead our national movement to be the fighting and campaigning organisation we need it to be, representing the breadth of our diverse membership.

"Further education made me who I am today and I look forward to sharing stories of just how powerful all forms of education can be when we're all given access to it.

"During my term in office I want to spend my time listening, learning and leading."

Past NUS presidents include Jack Straw, Charles Clarke, Liam Burns and Trevor Phillips and its long been believed the role suits those seeking political office.